Reading Reefcast

[crappiekrazy]

Alright, I think I know what I'm looking at, but if someone could post an example for those of who are still a little unsure that would be great. The red line indicates the number of waves per second, right?

[clt_capt]

I guess you could look at it that way... The closer the red line is to the bottom, the more waves... Really it is the wave shape - Look to the right for the categories - Chop, Steep, Swell...

Chop is pretty much tight together waves
Steep - Steep waves
Swell - I'll take a big swell over a steep 3 ft any day...

[crappiekrazy]

Thanks, So by the example shown, what does the redline being so high on the graph around noon mean? Sorry for dumb questions.

[clt_capt]

Thanks, So by the example shown, what does the redline being so high on the graph around noon mean? Sorry for dumb questions.

Starting around Friday Midnight through Saturday Noon, the waves become less steep and more swell - The wave period will be increasing

[crappiekrazy]

I got it. Thanks for clearing that up.

[netman9]

Might add the way I read it...

The top graph shows Sat. noon blowing NE at 10kt dropping to 5kt or less in the late afternoon, The wind will rotate out of the E, S and then W by Sun. building to over 15k at noon.

The second graph shows Sat. noon being 6'-8' seas with a 12 second dominant period (time between waves) and Sun noon just under 6' seas and a 10 sec. dom. period.

In our little 23' we look for a dream 1' or less 15+ second dominant period with >5 variable winds! The winds will build chop if blowing in the same direction for an extended period while a rotating wind won't allow the water to bunch up/chop.

[rlpsystems]

Capt Dave will walk you thru it as well.